Intellectual Freedom

More on our initiatives for
Promoting Libraries & Intellectual Freedom

Intellectual freedom is the right of all people to hold and express opinions without interference and to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers. Intellectual freedom is recognized by the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 19, as a basic human right.

Database November 6, 2024

The Canadian Library Challenges Database

The CFE-CFLA/FCAB Canadian Library Challenges Database provides access to challenges libraries have faced to items in their collection, and to displays, programs, room usage, and computer access.

Intellectual Freedom

Blog December 6, 2024

Margaret Atwood: On Investing with Libraries in A Future for Expressive Freedom

As part of the Edmonton Public Library’s Forward Thinking Speaker Series, I was invited to talk with Margaret Atwood on freedom of expression, her writing, and moderating audience questions. Given the timing, our armchair discussion quickly turned to politics.

Toni Samek

Intellectual Freedom

Database November 4, 2024

Base de données des contestations des bibliothèques canadiennes

La base de données du CFE-CLE/de la CFLA-FCAB pour les contestations des bibliothèques canadiennes donne accès aux éléments contestés auxquels les bibliothèques ont été confrontées concernant des articles de leur collection, leurs affiches, leurs programmes, l’utilisation de leurs locaux et leur accès informatique.

Intellectual Freedom

BPC Bulletin August 14, 2024

BPC Bulletin: Circulation of Book about Indian Residential Schools Leads to Censure of Quesnel's Mayor

In Quesnel, B.C., after Pat Morton, the wife of Mayor Ron Paull, circulated a controversial book about Indian residential schools, members of the Indigenous population said that the book offended, disrespected, and traumatized them.

Censorship, Intellectual Freedom

News June 17, 2024

Professor Toni Samek named CFE Scholar-in-Residence for 2024-25

Toni Samek, Professor and former Chair at the School of Library and Information Studies at the University of Alberta, will be the Centre for Free Expression’s Scholar-in-Residence for 2024-25. “Prof. Samek is one of Canada’s leading authorities on intellectual freedom, as well as one of its most effective advocates,” said James L. Turk, Director of the Centre for Free Expression (CFE).

Intellectual Freedom

Database June 1, 2024

Base de données des politiques des bibliothèques

La base de données des politiques des bibliothèques est entièrement consultable par nom de politique ou de bibliothèque.

Intellectual Freedom